Sumlin explains his (one-sided) conversation with Manziel

COLLEGE STATION – Quarterback Johnny Manziel once again was not available at Texas A&M’s weekly press conference, but plenty of the talk was once again about Manziel.

Coach Kevin Sumlin explained what happened in the fourth quarter of a 52-31 victory over Rice when Manziel was coming off the field after he drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Sumlin chewed out Manziel as the quarterback kept his head down and walked toward the sideline.

“I made two statements to him, neither of which he should have responded to,” Sumlin said. “They weren’t questions. What amazes me is the perception that he ignored me. The worst thing that could have happened was for him to reply, based on what I told him.”

More highlights (and low blows) from today’s press conference, with a 6 p.m. Saturday kick for the No. 7 Aggies against Sam Houston State (No. 4 in the FCS):

* Sumlin on junior Matt Joeckel, who filled in for a suspended Manziel in the first two quarters of the Rice game, in staking the Aggies to a 28-21 lead: “Matt is an example of a guy who has waited his turn, who just toiled away, and really, the week before, earned the right to start over Kenny (Hill).”

Sumlin reiterated that Hill will play this year.

* Sumlin said he knew about the four additional suspensions (LB Steven Jenkins, DB De’Vante Harris, DL Gavin Stansbury and WR Edward Pope) about two weeks ago. They were announced just prior to kickoff against Rice. A&M cited “violations of department rules and regulations” in suspending the foursome for two games.

* OC Clarence McKinney on whether Manziel was “pressing” (as Sumlin said after the game on Saturday) against the Owls: “It was a lot of pressure with the whole offseason and things of that nature, coming into the middle of the game and not having the first quarter to calm down. That was different for a guy who’s used to starting games and getting butterflies out early, before you can get into your rhythm.”

* DC Mark Snyder on finding a positive in all of the suspensions: “The good thing is we’ll be fresh, that’s for sure. And what’s hurting us now will help us in the long run. We just have to live with that.”

* Joeckel on earning his first start: “I hope I showed my team I can do it. I do it a little bit differently than Johnny – I’m not flashy. But I hope I showed my team and my coaches I can do it.”

* RB Ben Malena on the hand sign some of the players do after touchdowns (some have suggested it’s “show me the money” in reaching for sky and rubbing fingers): “It doesn’t have a significant meaning. It’s just a fun gesture we made up and it gets everyone going. It doesn’t mean (show me the money). We do it because we think it’s fun.”